Friday Fun: The Island of Unclaimed Baggage

Has an airline ever lost a piece of your luggage? Did you ever wonder what happened to it? It must have ended up somewhere, right? Right!

Has an airline ever lost a piece of your luggage? Not misplaced, as in they sent it to your hotel (eventually), but completely lost, as in you’ll never see it again? Did you ever wonder what happened to it? It must have ended up somewhere, right? Right!

Chances are it was picked up by the Unclaimed Baggage Center (www.unclaimedbaggage.com), which collects unclaimed or damaged luggage and cargo from all around the country and sells it at discounted prices (anywhere from 20-80% off retail). The 40,000-square-foot store, which is located in Scottsboro, Ala., features over 7000 items every day. Most of the goods are clothes, but the store also offers jewelry, books, sporting goods and electronics. Imagine all of the digital cameras that have been lost over the years!

The store’s website features an Interesting Stuff page, which details some of the more surprising items it has found, including a 40.95-carat natural emerald, a full suit of armor, a packed parachute (yikes, hope the traveler didn’t really need that!), a Barbie doll with $500 stuck in its head), and a live rattlesnake.

I’ve not had a chance to visit this store, but it sure sounds like a must for serious bargain hunters. Even if you don’t buy anything, it would be fascinating to wander around and peek at all of the lost treasures. Just make sure you don’t misplace your shopping bags!